Suddenly Christmas is almost upon us and 2021 is almost over! It’s truly been a year of new and exciting challenges and opportunities…
I’ve pushed the boundaries of my introverted tendencies and become an event host! The Business Solutions Squad was set up earlier this year by me and Martin Simmons at Redvespa. In a series of interactive online sessions, we’ve looked at common problems faced by business change professionals and how we can address them. We covered a wide range of topics and followed each session by publishing a digest of the ideas and insights raised by the group. For Martin and me, the programme raised all kinds of interesting challenges, including managing the online practicalities of Miro/Mural boards and breakout rooms alongside facilitating the discussion and idea generation. As well as some great successes, there have definitely been some “interesting” moments to reflect on!
Having got more involved with IIBA UK through volunteering in 2020, I felt hugely surprised and honoured to be nominated as a European finalist in the global ‘Volunteer of the Year’ awards. I didn’t win, but hearing all about the work and achievements of the other contenders made me feel incredibly proud just to be included in such company.
I’ve also joined IIBA UK’s 2021 mentoring scheme as a mentor – the first time I’d undertaken such a role. I’ve found it hugely rewarding, and would really recommend it to other BAs (either as mentors or mentees). The scheme is really well crafted and supported, and I’m really keen to sign up again in 2022.
In October this year I was lucky enough to be elected as IIBA UK Communities Director for Wales, the South West, and Midlands. In this role, I’m responsible for fostering regional BA networks and connections. While the pandemic continues to restrict our ability to host face-to-face events, I’m really looking forward to engaging with local BAs through both formal speaker presentations and informal social events. If you’d like to get involved, then please get in touch! In the meantime, I’m still a “regular” at the weekly Brown Bag drop-in sessions each Friday lunchtime – do pop along and say hi!
My consultancy work this year centred (surprise, surprise!) on clients in the legal services sector. While much of my activity has been in operational improvement, process design and requirement engineering, I’ve also had the chance to hone my skills in value proposition development. It’s been fascinating trying out new techniques and ways of thinking, and a real challenge to “join the dots” with service design and operating models.
The market for business analysis skills seems to have gone into overdrive this year, as organisations look for ways to move from surviving to thriving in world of digital and remote working. Demand is outstripping supply, so now is a great time for BAs to consider how and where they want to advance their career. With the huge increase in online material and events available, there are also countless opportunities to develop new skills and polish existing tools and techniques.
As we reach the end of 2021, I realise I’ve still not had a single face-to-face meeting since setting up Better Business Analysis. I’ve been building some great relationships with people I’ve only ever seen through Teams or Zoom. In 2022, it would be wonderful to see people in the flesh.
With everything going on, I’ve found less opportunity to blog, but I still managed to get a few articles out in 2021. Among other things, I’ve examined the state of business analysis in the legal sector, how BAs can help you explore your organisation’s strategy, and how you can improve the quality of requirements by enhancing your validation activities. I’ve strived for a mix of topics, but if there’s something you’d like to me focus on then drop me a line. I’m still adding BA resources to the site when I get the chance. My handy guide to 360 requirements analysis is well-worth checking out!
I’ve had loads of great support from friends, colleagues, the team at IIBA UK, and my ever-expanding network in the world of business analysis. 2022 looks set to be busy full of exciting challenges for Better Business Analysis. In the meantime, I’d like to wish you a safe and happy festive season, and a bright new year to come!